CHICAGO – Join the BIG EAST Conference and DePaul in an effort to provide tickets and transportation to the 2014 BIG EAST Women’s Basketball Tournament, March 8-11.

Modeled after DePaul’s Field Trip Days, which provide a college experience for more than 5,000 disadvantaged area students annually, the BIG EAST Transportation Initiative hopes to expose even more students to the excitement of BIG EAST women’s basketball.

“Providing access to high quality women’s basketball in Chicago was a big part of our decision to bid to host the Big EAST championship here,” DePaul associate director of Athletics Kathryn Statz said. “This initiative underscores our commitment to providing a way for children who normally might not think about attending such an event to do so.”

For as little as $100, supporters can purchase a quarter of a bus, while $400 can provide roundtrip transportation to a group of Chicagoland youths.

The initiative will operate as an extension of the DePaul Athletics Community Service Program. All contributions will be tax deductible and donors will receive scoreboard recognition for their contributions throughout the event.

“I am excited that the athletic department, along with the help of its supporters, can once again be involved in allowing disadvantaged youth and other groups in the Chicago area to have the opportunity to experience the great atmosphere of college athletics,” DePaul’s Assistant to the Athletics Director for Community Outreach, Dave Corzine added. “Whether it be at one of our own athletic events, or the BIG EAST Women’s Tournament, exposing kids to college athletics can be inspirational for them as they plan for their futures.”